Doctor Who: Ranking the top 10 David Tennant episodes

3. “Doomsday” Season 2, Episode 13

I’m going to need a second before reliving the painful memories of “Doomsday.” In my opinion, it has the show’s most emotionally heartbreaking scene ever.

I’m sure many Whovians would agree with this sentiment, as “Doomsday” marks the end of Rose Tyler’s time with the Tenth Doctor. Following a battle between the Cybermen and Daleks, Rose and the Doctor find themselves in two different universes. On the shores of Bad Wolf Bay, they bid farewell to one another, a moment that is forever seared in our minds.

Tennant has many stand-out moments from his time as the Tenth Doctor, but his performance in “Doomsday” is unlike anything else. Along with the iconic Bad Wolf Bay scene, I’m thinking specifically of the moment where the Doctor and Rose are touching the wall that “separates” them. The vacant look on Tennant’s face tears your heart out. There is a frightening emptiness in his eyes, and the trauma feels all too real.

We know the Doctor has had many companions in the past, but the connection with Rose Tyler was on another level. To have that ripped away unexpectedly and without notice was something that deeply affected the Doctor, and Tennant sold it like he always does.

I can never quite forget Tennant’s extraordinary performance coupled with Piper’s emotional breakdown as Rose begins to comprehend the complicated nature of her predicament. There was always something special about the Tenth Doctor and Rose’s relationship, and “Doomsday” served as the perfect (albeit heartrending) final chapter.